The "Architect" finds also--what may surprise the modern reader who has not noticed that many an able work has been thought unreadable on its first appearance--that he cannot understand the language and ideas: "Your style is so soaring--and some it makes sore-- That plain folks can't make out your strange mystical lore." He will allow the author to be quite right, when he finds something to agree upon; but the moment a sore point is touched, then Ruskin is "insane." In one respect the "Architect" hit the nail on the head: "Readers who are not reviewers by profession can hardly fail to perceive that Ruskinism is violently inimical to _sundry existing interests_." The best men, we said, were the first to recognise Ruskin's genius.

Let us throw into the opposite scale an opinion of more weight than the "Architect's," in a transcript of the original letter from Carlyle.
"CHELSEA, _March_ 9, 1851.
"DEAR RUSKIN, "I did not know yesterday till your servant was gone that there was any note in the parcel; nor at all what a feat you had done! A loan of the gallant young man's Memoirs was what I expected; and here, in the most chivalrous style, comes a gift of them.

This, I think, must be in the style _prior_ to the Renaissance! What can I do but accept your kindness with pleasure and gratitude, though it is far beyond my deserts?
Perhaps the next man I meet will use me as much below them; and so bring matters straight again! Truly I am much obliged, and return you many hearty thanks.
"I was already deep in the 'Stones'; and clearly purpose to hold on there.

A strange, unexpected, and I believe, most true and excellent _Sermon_ in Stones--as well as the best piece of schoolmastering in Architectonics; from which I hope to learn much in a great many ways.

The spirit and purport of these critical studies of yours are a singular sign of the times to me, and a very gratifying one.